Humans of Digital spotlights the people shaping Canada’s digital advertising industry, celebrating their expertise, insights, and personal stories.
Meet Sahil Razdan
Job Title:
Senior Legal Counsel
At IAB Canada:
AI/Emerging Platforms Committee Chair
Outstanding Digital Citizen 2024
I am a Technology, Data Privacy, Data Protection, and AI lawyer.
What’s one project, campaign, or achievement you’re most proud of in your career so far?
I have done technology, website, and data privacy/protection work for a major global (Canadian) artist and record label.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Knowing something half-way is worse than not knowing that thing at all.
What excites you most about the future of digital advertising in Canada?
The possibility and ability for us to balance and bridge the gap between the need for corporate success and individual privacy.
In your view, what’s the biggest opportunity for our industry right now — and what’s the biggest challenge?
The biggest opportunity is the shift towards collaborative advertising (organizations and individuals). The biggest challenge is the ethical and practical incorporation of AI.
If you could change one thing about the industry overnight, what would it be?
I would create more opportunities for Canadian media and advertisers to keep profits, data, resources, and operations in Canada without having to rely so heavily on non-Canadian entities.
Which trends, tools, or innovations are you keeping your eye on this year?
AI, AI, AI, and AI.
What role do you think collaboration through IAB Canada plays in driving industry growth?
Working with the IAB Canada creates multiple avenues for collaboration between organizations and industries. The insights, advice, thought leadership, and focus on growth available within IAB Canada and all its partner organizations is invaluable for the future success of the Canadian technology and advertising industries.
Getting Human

Coffee, Tea, or Something Stronger?
Scotch and Gin

Creative boost go-to?
Kanye (the artist, not the person), Lupe Fiasco, Drake, J-Cole, Childish Gambino, Joyner Lucas, Rihanna, A.R. Rahman, Lil Wayne, John Legend, Ed Sheeren, A.P. Dhillon, Diljit Dosanjh, Pink, Billie Eilish, Beyonce, Taylor Swift

If your career were a movie, what would the title be?
The Underdog

Complete the sentence – “The future of digital advertising in Canada is…”
…is bright.
According to Sahil, growth and trust can rise together when privacy and performance are designed in from the start. He champions collaborative advertising and ethical AI while keeping Canadian data and value at home. With IAB Canada’s shared insights and action, the future is bright.
Ready to lean in? Read more Humans of Digital stories and join IAB Canada to get involved in our committees, working groups, and cross-industry initiatives.